Sunderland's Championship rivals reportedly table bid for Ellis Simms

Sunderland have been tipped to potentially return for last season's loan man Ellis Simms.
The 22-year-old quickly won over the hearts of Sunderland fans last season, scoring seven in 16 Championship outings for the Black Cats before Everton recalled him.
And it's a decision that's perhaps proved to be a poor one. Simms would only feature 11 times in the Premier League for the Toffees, scoring once as he was largely used as a late substitute in games.
But he looks to be facing an uncertain summer at Goodison Park with Sean Dyche's side likely to bolster their attacking ranks this summer, with Sunderland said to be keeping tabs on Simms' situation.
And now, Sunderland's new Championship rivals Ipswich Town have reportedly tabled an offer for the Everton man.
An emerging report from The Sun (via trusted Ipswich Town source TWTD) claims that the Tractor Boys have tabled a £3.5million bid for Simms - TWTD plays down the price tag but confirms that Simms is a name on their radar.
Simms to Ipswich?
Simms was always likely to attract further Championship interest and so this should come as no surprise to Sunderland fans, who know exactly how good he can be at Championship level.
Ipswich though may be surprise suitors and this apparent £3.5million bid seems a bit steep for a player on the peripheries of the Everton squad.
Sunderland seem unlikely to spend that amount on Simms and so too does any other side, but if it's true then it would no doubt count Sunderland out of the race to sign Simms this summer.
Expect to see this story in headlines over the next couple of days. If Simms signs for Ipswich then it would be a great signing for them, but a blow for the Black Cats.
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Football journalist based in South Yorkshire. Have previously worked for PA Sports and Football League World among other publications. Currently working as the Editor for The72.
Follow @lukephelps72